Organ donation: Your doubts answered

New Delhi [India], Aug 30 (ANI): Want to pledge your organs but not sure of the step? Well, here are certain things about organ donation that'll prove many a doubting Thomas wrong.

Sivachenduran B, co-founder of Danvanthiri, a mobile healthcare patient-friendly app, has listed down few facts that will help you make up your mind.

"One life can save up to 8 lives," Sivachenduran told ANI, adding, "The common organs that can be donated are the liver, lungs, heart, kidneys, pancreas and small intestine. Even your tissues, like your skin, corneas, bone tissue including tendons and cartilage, heart valves and blood vessels can also improve the quality of life for many who are in need."

The second point he gave was "whether you are young, old, ill or healthy, anyone can register as a donor," explaining, "Donation engages several organs and tissues, which means people who are ill or are under-medication can still say 'yes' to organ donation. If an illness or medication would render a particular organ unsuitable for donation, there will still be organs that are good for a transplant. However, if you are under 18 years old, you would require your parent's consent to register."

"Once specified, only the organs you are willing to donate shall be identified for donation," Sivachenduran pointed out.

Did you know you can have an open-casket funeral even after organ donation? Sivachenduran reveals, "One common myth about donating organs is that, the donor shall not be entitled for a customary funeral after his/her body has been detained for the donation procedure. However, an organ and tissue donation does not keep you from having an open-casket funeral, if that's the ritual. Donor's body is clothed for burial and surgeons suture the body carefully making sure there is no outward disfigurement is visible."

Last but not least, priority on the waiting list for an organ does not depend on your popularity. He noted, "Money and celebrity status have no bearing on who gets an organ first. The criteria considered for approval is the time spent on the waiting list, the severity of patient's condition, blood type and other pertinent medical considerations."

It's courageous and selfless, so, register to be an organ donor today to help make a difference by giving the Gift of Life! (ANI)